When I first listened to the "Fresh Start Cleansing Program: Detoxifying Safely and Naturally" webinar presented by Nedra Sahr, M.S., C.S.N. and Steve Chaney, PhD, I thought this is a very doable program! Now in the interest of full disclosure, I must tell you that my regular diet consists primarily of vegetables and fruits, along with nuts, beans, grains and some fish; so eating all the fruits and veggies I wanted -- provided they were raw -- wasn't a difficult adjustment. What was a challenge for me -- even though I always thought I was a big water drinker -- was taking in 2-1/2 to 3 quarts of filtered water each day! It made me realize that although I was "sipping" water throughout the day, I wasn't getting nearly the amount required on the program or even the routinely suggested one-half your body weight of water in ounces each day.

According to Nedra, by day 3 of the program, cravings will be gone. I'm fortunate that I don't get cravings anymore for sweets or other unhealthy foods, but I wondered if I would miss nuts and grains, almond butter, yogurt or cheese or even my Shaklee 180 products. I did the Fresh Start program exclusively for four days and then added a protein shake on day 5. I felt great, had absolutely no cravings; was not hungry at all and was able to drop 2 pounds in the first four days which made me happy because my weight had been "stuck" for quite some time! In addition -- and my biggest reason for starting the program -- I was able to get my sluggish digestive system back on track. (Being on the road a lot and eating too much of a good thing -- high fiber foods and nuts, but obviously not enough water -- had really slowed things down!)Knowing that I could eat all that I wanted of the right foods and that the program actually encouraged grazing all day, meant that I didn't feel deprived in any way. I ate fruit in the morning and switched to veggies with salsa -- which I thoroughly enjoyed -- about mid-day. I discovered that raw organic sweet potatoes (sliced thin) and raw organic asparagus, cauliflower and zucchini were a delicious and very satisfying crunchy addition to my usually large mixed greens salads to which I routinely add carrots, celery, peppers*, cucumbers, tomatoes and avocados! Speaking of avocados, I loved the fact that I could add half an avocado to my salad and still enjoy my organic olive oil and balsamic vinegar which I applied generously!

I stayed on my usual supplement routine which already included a probiotic and added the suggested amounts of Alfalfa and HerbLax.

Since doing the program, I'm still eating plenty of fruit and lots of veggies -- both cooked and raw. I still enjoy snacking on raw veggies with salsa and I'm not consuming a lot of nuts or cheese and can honestly say that I don't miss them! I highly recommend the Fresh Start Cleansing Program to anyone who wants to safely do a little internal cleaning; promote healthy digestion and elimination; jumpstart or restart a healthy weight program; or as a great way to launch a healthy eating program, get rid of cravings, feel better and have more energy!

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact me; and if you decide to give it a try, please let me know how it works for you!

Download a print copy of the Fresh Start Cleansing/Detoxification Program Protocol.

(*I like bell peppers -- raw or cooked -- but really do prefer red peppers over green. While on the Fresh Start program I was referring to a terrific resource, "The World's Healthiest Foods" by George Mateljan, and learned that red peppers have a much higher nutrient value than green, so from now on it's red peppers for me!)

Hi Theresa . . . Thanks for your question! It really is a healthy and effective program. In addition to Shaklee Instant Protein and Shaklee 180 products which contain high quality protein from soy or whey; my usual protein sources include beans, legumes, greek yogurt, eggs, nuts, almond butter, fish and some cheese. Vegetables contain protein too! For example while on the Fresh Start program my salad consisting of spinach, kale and other mixed greens, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms and more, included about 20 grams of protein! The key is to eat generous amounts of a variety of vegetables. You might enjoy the article, "Yes, Plants Have Protein" at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/whole-story/yes-plants-have-protein. Keep in mind that the Fresh Start program is suggested for 3 to 7 days and no longer than 2 weeks; so even if you are not getting your optimal amount of protein while on the program, it will only be for a short time. You will find helpful information and a list of the protein in various foods -- including vegetables -- in the book "The World's Healthiest Foods" (see above link) or at http://www.whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=92. There's also a handy protein calculator at http://www.healthcalculators.org/calculators/protein.asp?Submit=Close. I hope this information is helpful. Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can be of further assistance! Take care . . . Jeanette

Hi again Theresa . . . I forgot to mention that I also get protein from grains such as oats and quinoa!

Reply

Mary Kinley

5/15/2014 01:24:51 am

Jeannette,

I JUST completed the Fresh Start --- for FIVE days. I jsut couldn't make it an longer. Wow as always you and I think alike. This is the first time I've ever done anything like this Other programs seen so drastic. I liked the simplicity of this one. I too was not hungry and I feel grey now.

You are welcome Mary, and thank YOU for your kind comment! I am so glad that you too had a positive experience! Fresh Start is such a healthy program and I agree that it is simple . . . and I'm all about simple! I trust Nedra Sahr's recommendations and we know how wonderful she looks and how healthy and active she is and she's in her 70's!